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Reports of winged beings have long been included in the more obscure reports of cryptozoological and ufological weirdness from around the world. Arguably, the most famous of all such incidents was detailed throughout John Keel’s investigations of the “Mothman,” which occurred in West Virginia in the late 1960s. Since that time, Mothman has become the predominant image in most people’s minds when it comes to envisioning a winged monstrosity of the cryptozoological variety. There are, however, other instances involving claims where such creatures have been witnessed, and though details about their existence are far more obscure, they bear a variety of similarities to folkloric traditions from various cultures around the world. Strangely, among these similarities are parallels having to do with the alleged creature’s interaction with their habitat and surroundings, as well as a prevalence of sexual aspects to their dealings with humans.
One recent discussion addressing unidentified winged monsters detailed encounters with an alleged “gargoyle” seen near the vicinity of the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. This was presented by the astute Scott Corrales at Inexplicata, where he shared some unique accounts that included a physical attack sustained by an area local. According to Corrales, “some people have identified (the monster) with the Chupacabras, yet others believe it is a differnt, elusive and sinister entity whose lair is in Barrio Ensenada, amid the ruins and tunnels of the Guanica Sugar Mill, where the skeletons of its victims can be found.”
Arguably, the manner in which this story is presented here has a folkloric overtone, with it’s tales of an old abandoned building in which the creature now resides. One might assume that if the creature’s victims were really piled up beneath an old sugar mill, a criminal investigation would have ensued to uncover the remains and find the culprit. However, before substantiating the claims with physical evidence Corrales presents that, as stated earlier, does involve an attack one man claims he received from the creature, it would be interesting to ponder those folkloric elements for a moment. After all, when comparing this story to the circumstances presented in reports of the alleged Mothman creature, we begin to see some striking similarities.
Read the story here: Gralien Report
From vicious birds to lost spirits, Africa has a wide range of interesting mythological creatures and characters in their cultural myths. In this article, you will learn of a few, including one that has the characteristics of a vampire.
Obambo
Some people living in Central Africa tell the tale of obambos – a certain type of ghost that lives in the bush. It is said that eventually, the obambo wishes to have a house of their own and will appear to a close relative to make this request. During the night, the women of the village will gather to sing and dance.
The following day, people visit the grave of the deceased and adorn its final resting place with an idol. Close to the home of the person that the obambo visited, the village will erect a small hut. Inside the bier on which the deceased was carried to his grave is placed inside, along with some of the dust from their grave. Over the door, a white cloth is draped.
Impundulu
Southern African tribes, such as the Zulu, Xhosa, and the Pondo, mention the impundulu in their folklore. This mythological creature, which is referred to as the ‘lightning bird’ is seen as a black and white bird – about the same size as a human. With its wings and talons, it is supposed to hold the power to call thunder and lightning. In witchcraft circles, the bird is described as having the same qualities as a vampire.
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Do Mayan carved panels depict cosmic monsters? This is the question bugging archaeologists after discovering the new panels which depict the Mayan creation myth.
The panels were created around 300BC and were found at the El Mirador complex in Guatemala. El Mirador is the largest Mayan complex found to date, with vast temples and elaborate palaces, road networks and waterways. It was mysteriously abandoned in 900AD.
Spread over more than 500,000 acres (2,000 square km), El Mirador is three times the size of Guatemala’s famous Tikal ruins, a popular tourist destination.
In one panel, the twin heroes of Mayan creation mythology, are surrounded by cosmic monsters and the bird deity.
Some UFOlogists are questioning whether these cosmic monsters in fact point to creatures of an extraterrestrial origin.
Reuters: Rare Maya panels found in Guatemala
If you live in a Filipino village with an economy primarily based on fishing, it could present quite a problem if five monsters suddenly show up in your water keeping everybody land-locked out of fear. Some say this is what caused the current world-wide economic meltdown. Others claim we just made that up right now.
Still others claim five snake-like black beasts did show up in the local waters of a Philippine island of Luzon.
Could these creatures be a previously unknown species, or could it be, as some have suggested, mutants formed by the toxic waste that is dumped into the river?
Read more about this story at:
Heckler Spray: Awesome Or Off-Putting: The Pinatubo Monsters
